Mossberg Maverick 88 Shotgun

The Mossberg 500 series is one of the most popular pump-action shotguns of all time. The popularity of this shotgun has bled over into the Maverick shotguns because of their value in this huge market segment. The Maverick 88 is made in Eagle Pass, Maverick County in the great state of Texas. It was developed and manufactured to compete with imported, low-priced slide action shotguns in the late 80’s.

This particular sample, an 88 Security Model, was purchased to be used as a new gun owner’s home defense weapon back in the mid 90’s. It has fired many rounds over its 15 year lifespan and has served as the owner’s bird gun, as a primary defense gun, and even as a competition shotgun a few times. A simple buttstock cuff and a light with clamp are the only current modifications.

There is nothing fancy about a 12 gauge slide-action shotgun set up for defensive purposes. The Maverick 88 is no different. With a 6 shot capacity and barrel availability the only practical difference in this model from its big brother the Mossberg 500A is the Maverick’s crossbolt safety. The sight is a gold bead and the stock and forearm are black synthetic. Users find the crossbolt safety and the action lock lever intuitive and easy to manipulate. Loading the magazine or through the ejection port is equally easy and instinctive. The 18.5 inch barrel patterns as can be expected form a cylinder bore.


Pros:

• Inexpensive
  
• Durable
  
• Versatile
  
• Crossbolt safety

Cons:

• Forend not easily replaceable
  
• Crossbolt Safety
  
• Fixed capacity

The Maverick forearm incorporates twin action bars. You can clearly see the Maverick 88s captive barrel bolt shared with the Mossberg 500. This bolt makes interchangeable barrels a snap, but limits the magazine capacity to factory levels. The bolt features dual extractors and the trigger guard assembly is polymer.

The Maverick 88 Security represents a terrific value to anyone looking for a first shotgun or an inexpensive defensive arm. The Maverick 88 Field is an equally exceptional value for those looking for a bird gun or a slug gun.